Come break trails on our homestead in rural Nova Scotia, Canada

Details

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  Description

  Will and I (Vanessa) have been building our homestead in rural Nova Scotia since 2020. We experiment in agroecology and holistic forest management. We both also have "regular" jobs and could use extra hands primarily clearing trails and preparing firewood.
  For livestock we have alpacas, a llama, chickens, and ducks this year. Helping socialize the alpacas (taking them for daily walks, hanging out with them) would be appreciated. Our two medium-sized dogs and cat live with us as well.
  We are also very interested in hosting artists interested in working with natural materials - think, biodegradable forest installation. Let us know your ideas!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are fairly typical rural Canadians. We work hard, enjoy hiking, and tend to wear a lot of plaid. We are down to earth and the use-what-you-have type. Our community of friends is like-minded and exudes tolerance. We like to have a good laugh and love the feeling of falling into bed after a great day of working outdoors.

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  Help

  We are looking for volunteers to help with clearing trails (moving/chipping brush) and firewood (running splitter/stacking) as well as alpaca socialization.
  
  Will and I spent time volunteering on our honeymoon, and now we are ready to pass on the opportunity. We have rustic, private accommodations available and/or a place to park your trailer/camper/van/tent, an all-you-can-eat garden, and an extensive library to browse. You are welcome to borrow our kayaks and bicycles in your downtime.
  
  We are looking for ONE WEEK commitments of 10-20 hours of labor in exchange.
  
  The ideal candidate(s) will be someone who enjoys working independently and is self-motivated. We will guide you, but we won’t hold your hand—nobody got time for that. If you don’t like dirt, bugs, sweating, vegetables, working outdoors, or weather, this won’t be up your alley. However, if you are interested in ecology, self-sufficiency, growing your network, quiet country living, and challenging yourself—it could be!
  
  Send us a message of intent that includes any relevant skills, what you hope to learn, and your concrete availability. You must have your own valid health insurance and sign a liability waiver. This is not a paid position—this is a volunteer opportunity in exchange for accommodations, food, and knowledge. We will consider individuals and families but prefer pairs. You will have A LOT of time to entertain yourselves on your own. We are also remote and prefer those with their own transportation.
  
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  We look forward to seeing you on the farm!
  Vanessa (and Will)

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are fluent in English and are interested in learning Spanish and French.
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  Accommodation

  1. One room cabin with electricity, a nice outhouse, a screened tent with a picnic table, bottled water, hot plate, fire pit, super comfy single bed, a cot, and 10 private acres to roam. Guests can shower at the farmhouse (***every other day maximum, we are on a well. Lot's of fresh water bodies in the area to go for a dip).
  
  2. There is also ample parking for anyone travelling with an RV/Van/ tenting etc.
  
  You are welcome to help yourself to the garden. We will also provide you with staples like pasta, rice, beans, and flour. You will have to buy any treats, alcohol, things we don't normally eat or grow ourselves, etc. Vanessa will cook a communal meal once a week and would be thrilled if you did the same using what's grown on site.

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  What else ...

  Forty minute drive to both the Atlantic ocean and the Bay of Fundy! Many local lakes, fishing holes, and trail systems inbetween. Lots of local markets, vineyards, and U-picks.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  You are welcome to use the internet at anytime except for when Vanessa is working. She works in health care and for privacy reasons can't have anyone in the house during her shifts (15 hours a week). The internet is very good.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Can accommodate any size vehicle for parking, electrical hook-up only.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  You are welcome to keep your pets with you on the property across the road. They CANNOT come up to the farm.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  2-4 hours a day, 5 days a week

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